AUGUR, an officer among the ancient Romans, originally appointed to foretell future events by the chattering, flight, and feeding of birds; though afterwards they divined also by prodigies, lightning, &c. There was a college or community of these functionaries, consisting originally of three members. Afterwards the number was increased to nine, four of whom were patricians and five plebeians. This number was augmented by Sulla to fifteen, and Julius Caesar added another. They bore an augural staff or wand, as the ensign of their authority; and their dignity was so much respected that they were never deprived of office, even though convicted of the most enormous crimes.